Christmas at Pemberley (41 page)

Elizabeth shifted her weight uncomfortably. Is that what she had done? Had she expected that if she prayed to God that He'd make her life perfect? And had she not always disdained
perfection
? She had blamed God for turning his back on her.

“God has His own agenda in our lives. As He did with Mary and Joseph, God tells us what He expects of us: He doesn't ask us if those plans match ours. God sent His angel to Mary and Joseph; He didn't ask their permission. What does this mean for us? It means that His will shall prevail over our preferences. One cannot change it.

“God could've made things easier for Mary and Joseph, but He didn't because each person grows from the adversity he faces. If that's so, Mary and Joseph must've grown to gargantuan size. They traveled by foot and by donkey to pay taxes. Despite being enceinte, Mary found no room at the inn.”

Elizabeth immediately thought of the Josephs and young William. God's will had prevailed over Prestwick's Portal.

“Mary and Joseph had to flee King Herod's vengeance,” Winkler continued. “This too must have been a difficult journey. All in all, we must realize that God could've changed each of these difficulties, but He wanted Mary and Joseph to rise above such adversity. What's God's will for you? It may not be an easy journey upon which you embark, but our Lord will be with you as you make your way.

“On Christmas, the Christ child received the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold declared the child as a king among men. Sweet smelling frankincense represented Jesus' pure spirit. Bitter myrrh predicted Christ's death. As we finish our program for the evening, I charge you to consider what you would give the Christ child on his birthday? What is God's plan for you? And what are you willing to sacrifice to make it so?”

 

As they stood to depart, Elizabeth caught Darcy's hand. “What did you think of Mr. Winkler's message?” she whispered.

Darcy leaned close so he might speak to her privately. “My esteemed father used to warn of two faults. The first of those was to be wary of the prayer that the Devil answers, and the second was never to share one's plans with God for our Maker would find it offensive. I believe God holds His vision, and He understands what we need and when we need it.”

Elizabeth acknowledged his advice with a nod of her head. “I'd like to speak to Mr.Winkler further on this concept. I'll ask him to join us this evening.”

“Is this for you or for Kitty?” Darcy asked suspiciously.

Elizabeth shot him a steely glare. “The man is already to be Pemberley's guest for both Christmas and our Boxing Day celebration. One more evening shan't progress his and Kitty's affections any faster. If Georgiana's evaluation is correct, Mr. Winkler's affections are fully engaged already,” she said tersely. “You may delay their joining with your objections, but you should know by now, Fitzwilliam, that the heart finds its own rhythm.”

Darcy gave her a curt nod. “I said I'd allow Winkler his due, but his interest in your sister creates a situation. When I fund the man's ideas, the community will wonder if I do so because I believe them to benefit the local population or because he holds a
tendre
for my wife's sister.”

“I hadn't considered how such an alliance must appear. I apologize for my gruffness, Fitzwilliam.”

“You offered no offense, my love. I cannot fault you for protecting your family. It was a characteristic which attracted me to you.”

“Would you care to explain to me what brought you to Pemberley, Your Ladyship, and do not waste my time with tales of weather woes?” Upon his return to the house, Darcy had demanded that Lady Catherine attend him in his study.

“And why would I offer you a prevarication?” Lady Catherine asked haughtily.

Darcy realized his refusing to accept her excuse of a megrim would thoroughly irritate his aunt, but he'd have the truth from her. “I should've added diversion to my list of exceptions. I'm well aware of your ability to twist a confrontation to your advantage. Do not play verbal games with me, Aunt. I want to know your reasons for coming to my home—especially, at this time.”

“You've offered the olive branch,” she reasoned. “Suppose that I decided to accept it.”

Darcy frowned. “I issued the last offer during the summer. Why not travel under pristine conditions rather than in winter's worst?” He raised his hand to stop her response before he finished. “Over the past two years,
at my wife's insistence
, I've sent you three requests to resolve our differences, and you've ignored each, not even acknowledging them with a refusal. I'm aware of two visits to Matlock during those times, but you chose to shun Pemberley's hospitality on both your ventures into Derbyshire.”

“Mrs. Darcy insisted on your offers of reconciliation?” she asked incredulously.

“As far as I was concerned, Your Ladyship, your interference in my life crossed the line of good intentions. With the genuine frankness of your character, your reply to the letter, which announced my arrangement, was loaded with language so very abusive, especially of Elizabeth that my initial reaction was that all intercourse between us was at an end. But at length, by Elizabeth's
persuasion, I was prevailed upon to overlook the offense and seek a reconciliation. My wife has a generous heart, and I've honored her magnanimity.”

The thought of being beholden to Mrs. Darcy, obviously, disturbed his aunt. She stammered, “I…I have…I've long considered what Lady Anne would've expected of me. On your mother's deathbed, she asked that I take an interest in your and Georgiana's lives. If I'm not at Pemberley, I cannot serve your mother's memory.”

Darcy eyed her suspiciously. “My mother's memory is cherished at Pemberley.”

“Even with Mrs. Darcy in Lady Anne's position?” she questioned curtly.

“Elizabeth is not my mother, but, likewise, I'm not George Marcus Lucien Darcy, and the Pemberley of today is not the one my esteemed father knew. You deal with Rosings Park on a daily basis, so I'll not bore you with the details of keeping such a large estate solvent, but you realize as well as any that I make investments in modernization, and I look for concessions that'll sustain this way of life. Pemberley survives where others fail because I accept that change is necessary. Elizabeth succeeds as Pemberley's mistress because of her intuitiveness and her benevolence.

“My wife honors her predecessor by maintaining the traditions my mother established. Occasionally, she adapts them for a different audience—you'll observe as much when you see the Tenants' Ball—but she gives honor to Lady Anne Fitzwilliam's legacy.”

“And what of her obligation to deliver an heir?” Lady Catherine insisted.

Darcy sighed deeply in exasperation. “Listen to my words, and believe them as the truth, Aunt. I'd love Elizabeth with or without a child. She's my life.” Again, he noted the shocked expression on Lady Catherine's countenance, but she quickly recovered her composure. “If my marriage is not blessed with an heir, then the estate will go to Georgiana's children. Either way, Pemberley will remain in the family. I'll
never
turn my back on my wife. Secondly,
I'd vehemently use all the power I possess against anyone who purposely hurt her. If you cannot keep a civil tongue, you'll find yourself on the road on Christmas Day. I'll personally escort you to your waiting carriage.”

“It's against the law to travel thusly,” she stated the obvious.

“I'd care not for your legal obligations, Aunt. My wife will not suffer because of your disapproval. Never in her own home. I hope I make myself clear,Your Ladyship.”

“I have a basket,” Georgiana announced to the group gathered in a circle at one end of the drawing room.

Edward, seated on her right, responded accordingly. “What is inside?”

“A hat,” Georgiana said and then smiled brilliantly at Edward. “Your turn, Cousin.”

Edward obligingly said, “I have a basket.”The group boo-hooed his having to carry about an imaginary receptacle, but he good-naturedly pantomimed selecting an object and placing it inside.

“What is inside?” Charlotte dutifully replied. She had abandoned her husband to Lady Catherine's company and had happily joined the group.

“Ice,” Edward declared.

Charlotte frowned. “Must it be
ice
? Is there not another word beginning with the letter ‘I'?”

“No commentary, Mrs. Collins,” Edward laughingly chastised. “The word is
ice
. It is your turn to use the letter ‘J.'”

“All right,” she chuckled. “I have a basket.”

“What is inside?” Manneville took his turn.

“A jar,” Charlotte said.

Manneville didn't wait for the obligatory group teasing. “I have a basket.”

Caroline, who sat beside him, coyly asked, “What is inside?”

But Manneville ignored her flirtation and set his gaze on Kitty. “A kitten,” he announced.

Kitty blushed, but otherwise shrugged off his pointed remark. However, Mr. Winkler sat forward in his chair as if to challenge the American.

Edward jumped into the mix, trying to defuse the situation. “No fair, Manneville,” he said a bit louder than necessary. “It isn't courteous to use other players to create your responses.”

 

Darcy joined his wife and her parents. “You didn't wish to play parlor games?” he asked as he took possession of Elizabeth's hand.

“No, thank you. I'm quite content to spend time here before the fire.”

Darcy understood; she'd missed her parents desperately. “You're exceptional at word games, my dear,” he observed.

“I'll enjoy the frustration when the letter ‘X' becomes impossible to fulfill.”

“Edward will serve as chaperone for the group,” Darcy said.

Mr. Bennet added, “Your cousin seems a right fine gentleman. I wish I had realized so at Lizzy's wedding.”

“It was an exciting time,” Mrs. Bennet said. “Our Elizabeth becoming Mrs. Darcy so shortly after Jane had married Mr. Bingley.”

“My friend letting Netherfield was a fortuitous event for us both.” Darcy brought the back of Elizabeth's hand to his lips. “But you're correct, Mr. Bennet. The colonel possesses all the qualities of a true gentleman. Edward has been my best friend, as well as my cousin.”

“I believe the colonel serves as Miss Darcy's guardian,” Mr. Bennet noted.

“We share guardianship,” Darcy corrected. “My father thought it best in case something happened to me before my sister came of age.”

Mrs. Bennet said, “Miss Darcy must be quite excited about the possibility of her first Season.”

Darcy responded, “We may have to consider a shortened stay in London.”

“Why ever for?” Mrs. Bennet inquired.

“My confinement, Mama,” Elizabeth explained the obvious. “The Season begins before my delivery.”

Darcy took on a serious expression. “Neither my sister nor I would consider London if Elizabeth couldn't join us.”

“But surely the Countess could sponsor Miss Darcy,” Mrs. Bennet pressed.

“Mama,” Elizabeth warned.

“The Darcys are a family, Mrs. Bennet, and Elizabeth is an integral part.”

Mr. Bennet quickly added, “It doesn't damage a girl's presentation to be a bit older. Most serious suitors would prefer that the young lady not be straight from the schoolroom. Miss Darcy is beautiful, talented, and quite personable. With her connections, she'll be a prime contender for debutante of the year, no matter in which Season she makes her entrance.”

 

“There is no word for ‘X,'” Bingley protested.